Don’t let the preparations for your first safari in Africa overwhelm you. With a little planning, your trip will be comfortable and memorable — and it doesn’t have to be complicated.
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Gemma D’Souza, an Africa specialist with Unforgettable Travel, has extensive experience guiding travelers on safaris. With connections to India, Scotland and Kenya, she focuses on sustainable tourism and supports women’s initiatives like the Hope Centre. Her practical advice is especially useful for women traveling to Africa for the first time.
Here are key tips to help you prepare:
Types of Clothing
Layers are essential. Early mornings and late evenings can be cool, so pack light layers you can remove as the day warms up. Lightweight linen or breathable fabrics work best. Neutral tones such as beige and khaki green are ideal for blending into the environment and avoiding attention from wildlife. Avoid neon or bright colors for game drives; save those for city outings or beach destinations. Some guides advise steering clear of dark blue and black because tsetse flies may be attracted to darker colors.
D’Souza also recommends bringing a small laundry detergent. Most safari camps offer laundry service with fast turnaround, but for cultural reasons they may not launder women’s underwear, so having a travel wash kit is handy. Bring a supportive sports bra too — game drives can be bumpy and comfort matters.
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Preparing for a Game Drive the Night or Morning Before
Game drive days usually start early, often before 6 a.m., and camps typically deliver a wake-up beverage to your room. Pack your bag and lay out your gear the night before so you’re ready to go. Many camps provide blankets or ponchos for chilly morning drives, so you won’t necessarily need to pack bulky outerwear in your day bag.
How to Dress for Meals and Everyday Activities
Safari camps are generally casual, so formal attire isn’t necessary. If you want to look a bit neater for evening meals, opt for long linen trousers and a nicer linen top. Long sleeves in a lightweight, breathable fabric are useful to reduce mosquito bites. If you visit Zanzibar, remember that much of the island is predominantly Muslim; dress respectfully in towns like Stone Town by covering shoulders and knees when walking around. A lightweight shawl is practical for this. Women may want to include one casual dress, but there are no strict rules about color or style.
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Safety Tips
Book your safari through a reputable operator. Professional companies include essential safety measures such as private transfers, meet-and-greets at airstrips and assistance with visas and immigration. Carry printed copies of travel insurance and your itinerary provided by the operator, and include emergency contacts with your documents.
Last-Minute Advice
Bring USB chargers, adaptors and spare plug adapters. Some safari vehicles have USB points, but it’s wise to have your own chargers. If you enjoy reading, pack a couple of books — many camps have libraries or book swaps.
D’Souza also encourages occasionally enjoying a game drive without constantly filming or photographing, so you can experience the moment directly. Pack face or makeup wipes to remove dust after a day out, and consider a lightweight neck scarf you can pull up over your face on particularly dusty drives.
Supporting Local Women’s Organizations
Many safari camps support community programs, such as producing reusable sanitary pads for schoolgirls who would otherwise miss school during menstruation. Travelers can often buy handmade goods directly from women’s groups, supporting local livelihoods. For example, some Zambian initiatives produce jewelry from materials recovered by anti-poaching teams and employ local women, creating meaningful community projects and jobs that visitors can learn about during their stay.
With practical packing and a bit of cultural awareness, your first safari can be an inspiring, comfortable and responsible experience. Enjoy the wildlife, the landscapes and the people you meet along the way.